The annual Lions clubs' food appeal has collected nearly €3 million of goods to distribute to the needy, an increase on last year.
Members say problems within the community are also on the increase, with many families worse off than before.
Last weekend, collectors from Lions clubs were outside supermarkets countrywide taking non-perishable food donations from the public.
These are made into parcels and distributed to needy families and individuals at Christmas.
Mr Paddy O'Donnell, co-ordinator for the clubs' food appeal, said the donations improved and increased every year.
"I think people have got to know us as we've been running the appeal for over 20 years now. People know that all the goods go directly to those who need them and there are no administration costs."
Some people gave money, which the clubs used to buy perishables at the last minute, Mr O'Donnell added.
He said years ago people just gave tins of beans and peas but now donated more luxury items - tins of biscuits, boxes of sweets, the range of what is available in supermarkets.
"Irish people are just fantastic when it comes to charity. The need in the community just keeps increasing.
"It is as bad if not worse than before. The cost of living has gone way up. They may range from the elderly to single parents having to cope with a few children."
Lions clubs were not in a position to vet anybody, he said. They could only take recommendations from people in the community who were aware of somebody in need. They could be neighbours, community workers, social workers, community policemen, or the local postmistress, he added.
In some areas, club members liaised with St Vincent De Paul, to avoid duplication. The majority of people helped were in genuinely difficult circumstances.
It was expected that between 10,000 and 15,000 parcels would be distributed by Ireland's 113 Lions clubs over Christmas.